Chemical Sector Training Resources Guide

As I reported last Monday, I requested a copy of the Chemical Sector Training Resources Guide that was recently listed on the Chemical Sector Training and Resources web page. I received my copy of the .PDF document on Tuesday. The email transmitting that document describes the Guide this way:

“The guide contains a list of free or low-cost training, Web-based classes and seminars that are routinely available through one of several component agencies within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”

The email from the Chemical Sector-Specific Agency also advised that there were two new tabletop exercises recently made available by the DHS FEMA private sector office that were not listed in the Guide. Those are a Hurricane Tabletop Exercise and a Chemical Accident Tabletop Exercise. The later exercise scenario reportedly ‘simulates a chlorine rail accident with release of chlorine’. Exercise information can be downloaded at http://www.fema.gov/privatesector/exercises.shtm.

The 28 page Guide provides an overview of the training resources made available through FEMA, NPPD, and TSA. It then provides a listing of individual courses that are available with a brief summary of each course. That summary typically includes a description of the target audience, the type presentation and a link to the course. For live courses taught at limited facilities or for arranging live courses to be taught at a local facility that link is typically an email point of contact.

Anyone with training responsibilities at a high-risk chemical facility should certainly get a copy of this document. Additionally, trainers in the emergency response and emergency planning business will also find this a guide to DHS training resources. Again, all you have to do to get your copy is request it by email through the Chemical Sector-Specific Agency.